HOMICIDE squad detectives, with the assistance of the Australian Federal Police technology detector dogs, concluded their search of Erin Patterson's home in Leongatha shortly after 2pm on Thursday, November 2 before transferring Ms Patterson to the Wonthaggi Police Station for questioning.
The 49-year-old had earlier in the day been arrested in conection with the death of three family members, and the hospitalisation of a fourth after they sat down to a lunch of beef Wellington at Ms Patterson's home on Saturday, July 29 this year.
Ms Patterson was questioned at the Wonthaggi Police Station for four hours, after arriving shortly after 2.30pm but by a little after 7pm, she was placed on three murder charges and five of attempted murder
Detective Inspector Dean Thomas made the following statement at lunchtime on Thursday, and has again called for the public’s assistance.
“Good afternoon, Detective Inspector Dean Thomas from the Victoria Police Homicide Squad. I'm here to provide an update in relation to the homicide investigation in relation to the deaths of three people following an incident in Leongatha that occurred earlier this year.
“This morning, detectives arrested a 49 year old female in relation to this incident and a search warrant was subsequently executed at her residential address.
“This search is currently ongoing, and we are being assisted by the AFPs technology detector dogs.
“Homicide Squad investigators have previously interviewed this woman in relation to an incident that occurred on the 29th of July where four people fell ill following taking part in a meal at a private residence there in Leongatha.
“Three of those people Heather Wilkinson, Gail Patterson and Don Patterson, unfortunately, passed away in hospital following taking part in that meal.
“The fourth person, Ian Wilkinson, was released from hospital in late September, and I understand that he continues to recover.
Once the search of the premises is complete today the female will be interviewed by homicide squad investigators. We will provide updates as the day progresses.
“Over the last three months this investigation has been subjected to incredibly intense levels of public scrutiny, and curiosity. I cannot think of another investigation that has generated this level of media and public interest, not only here in Victoria, but also nationally and internationally.
“I think it's particularly important that we keep in mind that at the heart of this, three people have lost their lives. These are three people who by all accounts were much beloved in their communities and greatly missed by their loved ones.
“These deaths also continue to have a significant impact on the immediate families of those involved, and I ask that people are particularly mindful of this over the coming days.
“In smaller communities such as Leongatha and Korumburra, a tragedy such as this can reverberate for years to come.
“I know people have many questions in relation to this matter, and will be hopeful that I can provide answers to them today. However, it's not that simple.
“Today's arrest is just the next step in what has been a complex and thorough investigation by homicide squad detectives and one that is not yet over.
“While we do want to provide timely updates about this matter, it is critical that doing this does not adversely impact the current investigation or any future processes.
“I encourage people to be particularly mindful of unnecessary speculation and the sharing of misinformation.
“While police are doing everything we can to ensure this investigation is not impacted by this again I stress, at the heart of these matters is the recent deaths of three people, and the families and loved ones who are trying to come to terms with this.
“Finally, I'd like to thank members of the public who have reached out and provided information in relation to this incident. I will again ask if there is anyone out there that has relevant information in relation to this matter, that they contact Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000 or contact the nearest police station. Thank you.”
